Weird & Unusual Attractions in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
1. Giant Chicken Statue
A giant statue of a chicken made entirely of scrap metal, located near the city center. It's a unique tribute to Mongolia's agricultural heritage.
- Metal Construction: The statue is constructed from recycled metal, showcasing creativity and sustainability.
- Agricultural Symbolism: It symbolizes Mongolia's reliance on agriculture, especially chicken farming.
- Urban Art: It serves as a quirky piece of urban art, attracting both locals and tourists alike.
2. Zaisan Memorial Complex
A Russian-style monument overlooking Ulaanbaatar, with panoramic views of the city. It's a unique blend of Mongolian and Soviet architecture.
- Historical Significance: It commemorates the victories of the Soviet Union in World War II, showcasing a piece of history.
- Panoramic Views: It offers stunning views of Ulaanbaatar and its surrounding landscapes.
- Architectural Fusion: Its design combines Mongolian and Russian architectural styles, making it a unique landmark.
3. Genghis Khan Statue Complex
A massive statue of Genghis Khan on horseback, located about an hour from Ulaanbaatar. It's the tallest equestrian statue in the world.
- Size and Scale: The sheer size of the statue is awe-inspiring, making it a must-see attraction.
- Historical Significance: It honors Genghis Khan's contributions to Mongolian history and world history.
- Panoramic Viewpoint: The complex offers panoramic views of the surrounding steppe, providing a unique perspective.
4. Bogd Khan Palace Museum
A museum housing artifacts from Mongolia's last king and the religious leader of Mongolian Buddhism. It's a unique blend of secular and spiritual history.
- Religious and Political History: It showcases the religious and political history of Mongolia during its last kingdom.
- Artifact Preservation: The museum preserves precious artifacts that tell the story of Mongolian history.
- Architectural Beauty: Its traditional Mongolian architecture is a sight to behold.
5. Mongolian National Circus
A circus performing traditional Mongolian acrobatics and horse acts, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Cultural Experience: It provides a unique glimpse into Mongolian culture through its traditional performances.
- Acrobatics and Horse Acts: The acrobatic and horse acts showcase Mongolia's athletic prowess.
- Entertainment Value: It offers an entertaining and memorable experience for visitors.
6. Tsagaan Suee Monastery
A Buddhist monastery located on a hill overlooking Ulaanbaatar. It's a unique blend of modern and traditional architecture.
- Spiritual Significance: It serves as a spiritual center for Buddhism in Mongolia.
- Architectural Fusion: Its design combines modern and traditional architectural elements, creating a unique visual experience.
- Panoramic Views: It offers panoramic views of Ulaanbaatar and its surrounding landscapes.
7. Chinggis Khaan International Airport Monument
A statue of Genghis Khan on horseback located at the airport. It's a unique welcome or farewell gesture for travelers.
- Size and Scale: The statue is large enough to be seen from the air, making it an impressive sight.
- Historical Significance: It honors Genghis Khan, a key figure in Mongolian and world history.
- Welcome or Farewell Gesture: It serves as a unique welcome or farewell gesture for travelers to Ulaanbaatar.
8. Mongolian National Folklore Theatre
A theater that performs traditional Mongolian dances and music, offering a unique cultural experience.
- Cultural Experience: It provides a unique glimpse into Mongolian culture through its traditional performances.
- Artistic Expression: The dances and music showcase the rich artistic heritage of Mongolia.
- Entertainment Value: It offers an entertaining and memorable experience for visitors.
9. Burkhan Khaldun National Park
A national park that is said to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan. It's a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
- Natural Beauty: It boasts stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and grasslands.
- Historical Significance: It's said to be the birthplace of Genghis Khan, making it a significant historical site.
- Hiking and Camping Opportunities: The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
10. Ger District
A district where locals live in traditional Mongolian tents called gers. It's a unique opportunity to experience traditional Mongolian lifestyle.
- Cultural Immersion: It provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about the traditional Mongolian way of life.
- Traditional Architecture: The gers are a unique form of portable, round, felt-covered tent houses.
- Living Museum: It's like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Mongolia's past.
11. National Museum of Mongolian History
A museum housing artifacts from Mongolia's history, including the era of Genghis Khan. It's a unique opportunity to learn about Mongolian history.
- Historical Education: It provides an in-depth look at Mongolia's rich history, including the era of Genghis Khan.
- Artifact Preservation: The museum preserves precious artifacts that tell the story of Mongolian history.
- Cultural Understanding: It helps visitors understand the cultural roots and traditions of Mongolia.
12. Terelj National Park
A national park located about an hour from Ulaanbaatar. It's known for its rock formations and traditional Mongolian gers.
- Natural Beauty: It boasts stunning landscapes, including mountains, rock formations, and grasslands.
- Cultural Immersion: Visitors can stay in traditional Mongolian gers, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding Opportunities: The park offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife spotting.
13. Photography Street
A street in Ulaanbaatar dedicated to photography. It's a unique opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
- Photography Opportunities: It offers numerous opportunities for photography, from street scenes to portraits.
- Artistic Expression: The street showcases the artistic expression of local photographers.
- Cultural Immersion: It provides an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore Ulaanbaatar through the lens of local photographers.
14. Sukhbaatar Square
A square in Ulaanbaatar named after Mongolia's national hero. It's a unique opportunity to learn about Mongolian history and culture.
- Historical Education: It provides an in-depth look at the life and contributions of Sukhbaatar, a national hero.
- Cultural Immersion: It offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to learn about Mongolian history and culture.
- Architectural Beauty: The square features several architecturally significant buildings.
15. Monument to the Motherland
A monument located in Ulaanbaatar that symbolizes the motherland's protection of its children. It's a unique tribute to Mongolian resilience.
- Symbolism: It symbolizes the protection and nurturing of the Mongolian people.
- Historical Resilience: It pays tribute to Mongolia's resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
- Artistic Expression: The monument showcases artistic expression through its intricate design.